Kolkata, Oct. 14 -- Presidency University has formed a five-member committee to investigate the alleged defacement of an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) poster featuring Swami Vivekananda. The student organisation has also lodged a police complaint at Jorasanko Police Station, seeking action against those responsible.
The complaint, filed on Wednesday, alleges that unidentified persons defaced the poster on October 13 by writing objectionable words and tearing the image of Swami Vivekananda.
ABVP also alleged that graffiti targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the organisation had appeared at different places on the university campus.
The five-member committee, headed by Professor Arabinda Nayak, has been directed to investigate the incident and submit its report and recommendations to the university authorities within 15 working days. The Dean of Students' office will provide administrative support and CCTV footage, as required, for the inquiry.
In its complaint, ABVP sought an impartial investigation, identification of those responsible and examination of available CCTV footage and other evidence. It also called for appropriate legal and disciplinary action against those found responsible. The organisation staged a protest outside the university on Wednesday afternoon.
University registrar Debajyoti Konar said: "Presidency is committed to upholding the ideas of thinkers. We are not going to tolerate any abuse of thinkers, their ideas or organisations."
The university has directed the committee to begin its work immediately. The inquiry will examine the alleged defacement of the poster and the reported use of objectionable language on the campus.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.